Characteristic changes in the slow cortical waves after a 6-h sleep deprivation in rat

► Slow EEG waves (DOWN states) were analyzed on freely moving rats. ► Sleep deprivation (SD) and recovery sleep with enhanced slow wave activity. ► After SD, more DOWN states occurred when delta EEG power increased. ► Current-source-density analysis of the motor cortex EEG during sleep and after SD. ► Before DOWN states, multiple unit activity increased.